Appreciate dangers in female genital mutilation - Alhassan

Yendi (Northern Region), 16 Feb.'99 - Mr Mohammed Alhassan, Yendi District Chief Executive, has called on chiefs to sensitise their people to appreciate the dangers involved in the practice of female genital mutilation. Addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of the Moshie community in the Yendi district, Mr Alhassan deplored the attitude of some chiefs who support the practice. The durbar climaxed activities in connection with the enskinment of Naaba Mahama Mumuni, as the new chief of the Moshie community. He advised Moshie community leaders to educate their people to reciprocate the hospitality of their Ghanaian hosts by respecting the laws, customs and traditions of Ghanaians. Mr Alhassan said while the government will not interfere with the nomination, selection, enskinment or enstoolment of any chief, it will not fail to act swiftly to curb any acts of violence associated with this process. He said one way of minimising chieftaincy conflicts is for kingmakers to adhere to the customary procedures for selection and enskinment and abide by the time honoured rule that only qualified persons are installed chiefs. In a welcoming address, Naaba Mumuni pledged to work for continued peace and unity between Moshies and Dagombas in the area.